Zoloft, or Sertraline, is an innovative antidepressant that belongs to a group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The drug produces the desirable effect with a potent impact on the brain chemicals. The active ingredients of the drug affect the chemicals in the brain and balance them in people who suffer from numerous psychical disorders. Zoloft is commonly prescribed to people who require treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic or anxiety attack, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and other conditions. Additionally, the treatment may be used in other instances.

Information to Know before the Medication Course

Consult your doctor before the medication intake to avoid possible risks and dangerous impacts on the vital body functions. Zoloft should never be administered by patients who are allergic to its active components or similar treatments. Do not start the treatment course within 14 days after MAO inhibitor intake. Provide your doctor with information about other health problems you have, especially the following:

Epilepsy, convulsions, other seizure disorders;

Kidney or liver disease;

Bipolar disorder;

Alcohol or drug abuse;

Blood clotting problems, etc.

Sertraline, being an active ingredient of the drug, may affect an unborn or nursing child causing severe side effects. Thus, avoid the medication use during pregnancy and lactation. Never give the drug to patients with similar symptoms without previous doctor’s consultation.

Possible Zoloft Interactions with Other Drugs

Ask your doctor whether Zoloft treatment course is safe with other prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking. The drug should not be combined with certain other remedies in order to eliminate related risks. Such pharmaceuticals are the following:

Narcotic pain medications;

Sleeping pills;

Anxiety or seizure drugs;

Antidepressants;

Blood thinners;

Migraine and headache drugs;

Heart rhythm treatments;

Tryptophan;

Phenytoin;

Cimetidine;

Tolbutamide;

Tramadol and others.

Zoloft Side Effects and Complications

To achieve the maximal Zoloft effect and witness no downsides a patient should follow all the safety instructions and doctor’s recommendations. Violations can lead to the medication misuse and related consequence. Seek immediate medical help in case you have got any allergic reactions (hives, problems breathing, itching, swelling, rashes, etc.) or other complications, such as:

Sudden mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations;

Insomnia, agitation, irritability, hyperactivity;

Convulsions;

Manic episodes;

High serotonin level in the organism and others.

Call your doctor if common side effects aggravate or become bothersome. The most frequently reported reactions include: